Power Steering Pump and Reseevoir, Water pump Question

[RobHartley]

Actually 2 questions, I received my BP347 with Edelbrock ProFlo 4 EFI from Forte Performance this week, it looks fantastic. On the Power Steering pump and reservoir there are 3 ports, the top one is easy that's the high pressure output, but the two on the side I'm not sure, which is the return line, and what the other one is for?
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Also on the Water pump there is a second outlet, I'm assuming that would be for a heater hose, what is the best way to plug it, it looks like the pipe is press-fit in with a nylon bushing?
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[danmas]

I don’t really know, but I thought I would give ChatGPT a shot at answering this. I just copied your question into ChatGPT. It seems reasonable:

1️⃣ Top port (you already nailed this)
High-pressure outlet
Goes to the steering rack pressure inlet
Usually threaded (flare or O-ring), high pressure hose only
2️⃣ Side port #1 — Main return (this is the important one)
Low-pressure return from the steering rack
Usually the larger of the two side ports
Hose barb or push-on style
This is the required return line
3️⃣ Side port #2 — Secondary return (often unused)
This is where the confusion usually is.
That second side port is typically:
A second low-pressure return, most commonly for:
Hydroboost brake system, OR
Power steering cooler return, OR
Factory multi-return reservoir design
If you are not running hydroboost, this port is:
Capped/plugged, or
Sometimes internally baffled but still needs a cap

[weendoggy]

P/S pump top port is pressure to the rack. Side ones are return. I'd plug the bottom one and just use the upper side one.

Water pump is a heater connection. You have choices. Either (1)use a rubber hose cap/plug (not my favorite), pull it out, (2)tap and use a pipe plug, or, (3)use a formed or other hose to connect to the intake port behind the thermostat. All of these can be changed if adding a heater later. Even the tap/pipe fitting can be used with a pipe nipple in the future. If you're not using the intake port, just put a pipe plug in.

[RobHartley]

Thanks Dan I really appreciate the response.

I don’t really know, but I thought I would give ChatGPT a shot at answering this. I just copied your question into ChatGPT. It seems reasonable:

1️⃣ Top port (you already nailed this)
High-pressure outlet
Goes to the steering rack pressure inlet
Usually threaded (flare or O-ring), high pressure hose only
2️⃣ Side port #1 — Main return (this is the important one)
Low-pressure return from the steering rack
Usually the larger of the two side ports
Hose barb or push-on style
This is the required return line
3️⃣ Side port #2 — Secondary return (often unused)
This is where the confusion usually is.
That second side port is typically:
A second low-pressure return, most commonly for:
Hydroboost brake system, OR
Power steering cooler return, OR
Factory multi-return reservoir design
If you are not running hydroboost, this port is:
Capped/plugged, or
Sometimes internally baffled but still needs a cap

[RobHartley]

Thanks Weedoggy, I like option 3, that will probably be my choice. Started poking around your website looking at your build, nice work!

P/S pump top port is pressure to the rack. Side ones are return. I'd plug the bottom one and just use the upper side one.

Water pump is a heater connection. You have choices. Either (1)use a rubber hose cap/plug (not my favorite), pull it out, (2)tap and use a pipe plug, or, (3)use a formed or other hose to connect to the intake port behind the thermostat. All of these can be changed if adding a heater later. Even the tap/pipe fitting can be used with a pipe nipple in the future. If you're not using the intake port, just put a pipe plug in.

[steno]

The spare hose nipple on the water pump is glued in place. I heat the nipple with a propane torch and work it out. Then I put a 3/4" Dorman freeze plug. It'll never fail and look better.

[rich grsc]

Think steno has the best approach. Not a good idea to loop it back to the intake.

[RobHartley]

Thanks steno, much appreciated!


The spare hose nipple on the water pump I'd glued in place. I heat the nipple with a propane torch and work it out. Then I put a 3/4" Dorman freeze plug. It'll never fail and look better.